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Lake Hamilton May Get Help With Parks

Old Police Chief Retires; New One Is Sworn In

The new Lake Hamilton Chief of Police Lyle Jagniszak, Sr. gets a kiss from his wife Tamara after she pinned his shield as the chief's son Lyle Jagniszak, Jr. waits to pin the new chief's bars during a pinning ceremony at the Lake Hamilton Town Hall on Tuesday.

Published: Wednesday, April 2, 2014 at 7:12 p.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, April 2, 2014 at 7:12 p.m.

LAKE HAMILTON | Mayor Marlene Wagner told the Town Council a representative from a local business has agreed to walk through the parks with her, assess their needs and perhaps help the town financially with its park-improving initiative.

She suggested waiting to make decisions on what to do with the parks until the town has heard the representative's suggestions. She would not reveal the business's name.

Her announcement came Tuesday night as the council discussed what to do about the poor conditions in the town's three parks.

Public Works Director J.D. Johnson said the major needs include painting equipment, replacing rusty swing parts, and repairing or replacing a merry-go-round and a spring rider in Gunter Park.

He also suggested considering the replacement of slides, adding lights in Gunter Park, and building a bathroom at Sample Park.

“Something really needs to be done,” he said of the lack of restrooms at Sample Park. “You can't go to the park without stepping in doo-doo.”

To help pay for a nicer boat ramp and bathrooms at Sample Park, Town Clerk Sara Irvine suggested the town could consider hosting a fishing fundraiser.

Council member Cora Roberson suggested seeking volunteer help.

Wagner suggested organizing residents to do cleanups, too.

In other business, Police Chief Ed Freeman retired Tuesday. He had been chief for 29 years after working for the town's Police Department for 37 years. The town presented him with a glass plaque.

“I've watched a lot grow up and I couldn't have done it without you all, and my guys,” he said. “It's going to be hard, but it's time. I'm going to miss you all, but I'll be around.”

Lyle Jagniszak was promoted to chief. He had been assistant chief.

“I'll do my best for you,” he said to a packed room of residents.

Residents gave both men standing ovations.

Officer Michael Sanchez, who has been with the department for seven years, was promoted to lieutenant.

Meanwhile, town staff have been successfully improving the quality of the town's water.

Town Planner Doug Leonard said the levels of disinfection byproducts were brought down to acceptable amounts in March, mainly through rigorously flushing the water lines.

He said the town has been flushing 2 million gallons of water per week — three hours of flushing per night at eight locations, with more locations to be added.

While the health department was pleased with this month's numbers, the town must show that it can maintain acceptable levels or there will be consequences, Wagner said.

Other water complaints residents have, such as abnormal taste and smell of the drinking water, as well as sediment in it, have pretty much disappeared, Leonard said.

Harris asked the residents whether they have any water complaints, and one resident said the only complaint was that it still leaves a ring of color in the toilet.

Sara Drumm can be reached at sara.drumm@newschief.com or 863-401-6971.

<p>LAKE HAMILTON | Mayor Marlene Wagner told the Town Council a representative from a local business has agreed to walk through the parks with her, assess their needs and perhaps help the town financially with its park-improving initiative.</p><p>She suggested waiting to make decisions on what to do with the parks until the town has heard the representative's suggestions. She would not reveal the business's name.</p><p>Her announcement came Tuesday night as the council discussed what to do about the poor conditions in the town's three parks.</p><p>Public Works Director J.D. Johnson said the major needs include painting equipment, replacing rusty swing parts, and repairing or replacing a merry-go-round and a spring rider in Gunter Park.</p><p>He also suggested considering the replacement of slides, adding lights in Gunter Park, and building a bathroom at Sample Park.</p><p>“Something really needs to be done,” he said of the lack of restrooms at Sample Park. “You can't go to the park without stepping in doo-doo.” </p><p>To help pay for a nicer boat ramp and bathrooms at Sample Park, Town Clerk Sara Irvine suggested the town could consider hosting a fishing fundraiser.</p><p>Council member Cora Roberson suggested seeking volunteer help.</p><p>Wagner suggested organizing residents to do cleanups, too.</p><p>In other business, Police Chief Ed Freeman retired Tuesday. He had been chief for 29 years after working for the town's Police Department for 37 years. The town presented him with a glass plaque.</p><p>“I've watched a lot grow up and I couldn't have done it without you all, and my guys,” he said. “It's going to be hard, but it's time. I'm going to miss you all, but I'll be around.”</p><p>Lyle Jagniszak was promoted to chief. He had been assistant chief.</p><p>“I'll do my best for you,” he said to a packed room of residents.</p><p>Residents gave both men standing ovations.</p><p>Officer Michael Sanchez, who has been with the department for seven years, was promoted to lieutenant. </p><p>Meanwhile, town staff have been successfully improving the quality of the town's water.</p><p>Town Planner Doug Leonard said the levels of disinfection byproducts were brought down to acceptable amounts in March, mainly through rigorously flushing the water lines.</p><p>He said the town has been flushing 2 million gallons of water per week — three hours of flushing per night at eight locations, with more locations to be added.</p><p>While the health department was pleased with this month's numbers, the town must show that it can maintain acceptable levels or there will be consequences, Wagner said. </p><p>Other water complaints residents have, such as abnormal taste and smell of the drinking water, as well as sediment in it, have pretty much disappeared, Leonard said.</p><p>Harris asked the residents whether they have any water complaints, and one resident said the only complaint was that it still leaves a ring of color in the toilet.</p><p>Sara Drumm can be reached at sara.drumm@newschief.com or 863-401-6971.</p>